Major Google TV update being pushed out, Logitech Revue included

Let's face it; Google TV owners have thus far had a bit of a rough ride out the gates. Big media hasn't been all too friendly as of late and many would say that Google TV was in desperate need of an update as soon as it was released. Google today, though, has taken care of some of that with a major update to Google TV, which includes some new features, fixes some of what was broke and as Google claims adds more value to your Google TV. In addition to the Google TV changes, Logitech has updated its Revue set-top box as well.

So what does the update fix? Well first off, Netflix has finally received a much-needed overhaul. It is now using the HTML5 version of the app that actually improves the overall experience (i.e: makes it usable) and functionality. Dual View, which has been a pain for some folks, now allows you to move those lovely windows around to wherever you do so wish. And you all remember that YouTube Remote App, right? Well, starting today, Google has made one available for Google TV as well. (download after the break) Finally, the last revision covers movies and how information about them is displayed. A new info window has been introduced which better filters search results from content available on the web providing more details about the movie you search, related movie to it and much more. [GoogleTV Blog and Logitech]

If there's one thing that rubs me the right way, it's game publishers releasing holiday updates. First Rovio gave us the increasingly frustrating Angry Birds Seasons, and today Spacetime Studios delivers the High Winter Festival update for Pocket Legends.

In addition to the ability wield dual weapons, Pocket Legends players can expect to see:

High Winter Festival

New quests

New combat area

Special holiday-only loot (permanent)

New story-line. Defend Father Frost from evil Toy Master and save the High Winter Festival.

Swamp Towne

18 new quests

New town

New loot with new appearances including moonshine hat, frogwang, banjo, blunderbuss, and lizard spear

Four new combat areas dealing with the feuding McCrocs and Scalefields

HTC Evo 4G getting an update, adds NOVA demo game, Swype

HTC has confirmed to us that a maintenance update (3.70.651.1) is being pushed out to the Sprint Evo 4G as we type. No, it's not Gingerbread. Gonna have to wait a while for that, folks. Instead, it looks like we're getting:

Blockbuster (including WM DRM 10)

Kindle eReader

Preloaded try/buy video game: NOVA from Gameloft

Sprint Zone update

Latest Telenav

Latest VVM App

Latest Sprint TV app

SWYPE Keyboard

Scan Now Widget for 4G (does not need to be available on any panel, just a widget option users could find and use).

If you don't want to wait for the update to push to your phone, we've got manual installation instructions after the break. (Note that it's worked for some people; I've had problems with my old Google IO freebie Evo.) More on the update in our Evo 4G forums.

HTC's CEO says LTE phones coming in 2011, will support NFC, too

HTC CEO Peter Chou recently spoke with the GSMA (those are the folks who put on Mobile World Congress) and talked a tad about LTE phones. They're definitely on the way, though not before sometime next year (that's a surprise to no one), and the U.S. is likely to get them first because (to the surprise of everyone) we're actually ahead of the game on LTE. Said Chou:

"We are working on an LTE device for next year, 2011. We think that the U.S. mobile operator will be taking some lead and pushing 4G in the U.S. market. But, however, we are seeing the rest of the world will be deploying LTE networks in 2011. Could be the second half of 2011."

One of those phones is likely to be the HTC Mecha (possibly to be the Incredible HD on Verizon), which you see above. Chou also mentioned that HTC phones will incorporate NFC (near-field communications) mobile payment systems. Again, an expected feature, which we're seeing first in the Samsung Nexus S.

The Nexus S takes a trip into space

A handful of Google engineers, students from UC Santa Cruz and seven styrofoam beer coolers each packed with a Nexus S sure sound like a lot of geek fun. Start attaching weather balloons and talk about sending the phones to the edge of outer space, and it just got serious. That's exactly what happened as this team set out to test the Nexus S sensors in the cold, harsh conditions of high altitude flight, using apps like Google Maps and Google Sky Map.

After three hours or so, the balloons popped and the phones (and their coolers!) came back to earth, chock full of useful data that Google plans to use with a UK satellite manufacturer to build small "commodity" satellites using core Nexus S technologies. According to Zi Wang, a product manager for the Nexus S, "The phone is powerful enough." And to think the hardest task I'll ever give to my Android phone is to remind me where I parked. There's a video you don't want to miss after the break. [NewScientist via tecca; Engadget]

Introducing the TPad-780 Android powered tablet from Poland

Quite honestly, we've never heard of Trak Electronics out of Poland until now but they are the latest to offer up an Android powered tablet / mobile internet device. And well, it actually looks pretty nice. On top of looking good it has a nice price to go with it. The specs aren't exactly where we would like them to be but they are pretty sufficient depending on your intended usage.

800×400 (WVGA) Resistive touch display

Telechips TCC8902 (ARM11) 800 MHz processor

256 MB of internal RAM

4GB Flash Memory built in

Android 2.1 / Android Market enabled

Micro SD/SDHC support up to 32 GB

1080 p HD video playback with HDMI output

Mini USB-OTG adapter

Wi-Fi b/g,

3.5 mm Headphone jack

Lithium-polymer battery, 3500mAh

Support for USB 3G Modem For GPRS / 3G

We've not had the pleasure of giving the $299 tablet a run through but we did get sent a nice video of it in action. You can hit the break for a video of it in action. Tip: Turn down your volume before watching, music gets kind of loud. [Tablet Online]

Gingerbread to be in AOSP soon says Googler

While we still don't have a definite date, Googler Jean-Baptiste Queru lets us know that we'll be seeing Gingerbread in the AOSP tree soon after the Nexus S ships. My geeky side is all tingly, as this means we can expect it on our Nexus One at any time after. Oh and that means these guys you might have heard of, that work on this thing called CyanogenMod, can get their groove on. Say it with me guys ... giggity. [@jbqueru via @morrildl]

Swiftkey keyboard updates with a new HD skin, 5 new languages, holiday trial period

Swiftkey, one of our favorite keyboards for Android -- just got a pretty major update. The already stellar key design is now even better, with an HD skin and better fonts. Five languages have been added, as well as five new keyboard layouts. There have been a fair amount of bugfixes, and the trial version of the keyboard (the full version is $3.99) has been increased to 31 days as a holiday promotion.

Swiftkey might not be your favorite keyboard, but it definitely warrants a look. We've got download links after the break, and you can find the full release notes at the source. [Swiftkey]

Nexus S kernel source available for download

Google has just posted the 2.6.35 Linux kernel source for the Nexus S to its git repository. Not only is this Step 1 in the release path for the phone itself, but it gives developers (and developers-in-training) a head start to hacking away at the device.

Nexus S listed as 'in stock' at Carphone Warehouse

By now we're all aware of how the Nexus S is going to be sold. Come Dec. 16, buy it online or on-site at Best Buy in the U.S., or at Carphone Warehouse across the pond in Europe. Looks like someone at Carphone Warehouse didn't read the news, as the Nexus S is listed as in stock and ready for ordering at their website. Maybe you folks in Europe have to pay about 50 percent more, but it looks like you may be able to get it a day early. Or this could just be a slip-up, which Lord knows we see enough of around here. too. Either way, if you end up ordering one of these, let us know what happens! [Carphone Warehouse via Engadget]

Andy Rubin's full All Things D video now online

As promised, All Things Digital has posted their interview with Android's lead-man, Andy Rubin. In the video from last week's Dive Into Mobile conference, you'll see Rubin tear up the stage with some sweet Honeycomb action -- running it all on the highly anticipated, Tegra 2 Motorola tablet. And even though the Nexus S is officially coming out Thursday at your local Best Buy, here is where it was officially announced for the first time. Oh yeah, Mr. Rubin also shows off the new Google Maps update for Android. [All Things Digital via Engadget]

Vodafone HTC Magic Android 2.2.1 OTA now available

Long live the HTC Magic. For some out there, the HTC Magic may have been your first leap into the Android platform and many are still making use of the device today. Vodafone UK is well aware of that fact and as such, have started pushing out the Android 2.2.1 update for it. As noted on the Vodafone UK forums:

Android 2.2.1 will give customers a number of improvements including: latest Gmail and Android Market clients; ability to save applications directly onto an SD card; support for USB tethering so the phone can be used as a modem; improved support for Active Sync Exchange (email, contacts and calendar sync); enhancements to Bluetooth; and enhancements to the camera. The update also includes the latest Google security patches.

HTC Magic users should be getting the automatic notifications on their devices advising to update although, it is mentioned that it is a gradual roll out so if you're not seeing yet you'll just have to wait a little bit longer. [Vodafone UK via CoolSmartPhone]

Facebook for Android finally gets chat, push notifications!

This is one you guys have been wanting for a while -- Android's Facebook app finally has proper Facebook chat. And push notifications. Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus. You can get the Version 1.5.0 update now in the Android Market, and we've got download links after the break. Now excuse us while we pester some Facebook friends.

Best Buy Mobile proffers list of stores that will sell Nexus S on contract

With the launch of theNexus S here on Thursday, Best Buy Mobile listed which stores will sell the phone on-contract with T-Mobile. All Best Buy Mobile locations will carry the device unlocked at a full retail pricing; only select stores will have the option to purchase the device with a two-year contract. For a full list of stores that will carry the phone with the discounted price, check here. (pdf warning)

And thanks to one of our readers (we love you guys) we have a short video showing the Best Buy Special Edition Nexus S Buyers Guide (and that's a mouthful). Looks like Best Buy will be offering a $60.00 accessory bundle that includes a Rocketfish car charger, a Zagg screen protector, and a Platinum case. Be sure to have a look after the break. [via Best Buy Mobile Twitter] Thanks J. for the video!